Sun Ke double extends China's winning run in Asian Cup

China ensured they would enter the knockout phases of the Asian Cup full of confidence following a 2-1 victory over DPR Korea in Canberra on Sunday.

Despite having already sealed their place in the quarterfinals, China put in a professional display and went ahead within the first minute through Sun Ke.

He would finish the half with two goals, giving Alain Perrin's side a crucial advantage, before a Gao Lin own goal gave DPR Korea hope.

But, amid an abundance of pressure, China held firm, ending the group stages with three straight wins.

Uzbekistan joined them in the final eight, holding off the challenge of Saudi Arabia and recording a 3-1 win in Melbourne.

Sardor Rashidov notched a brace, while Vokhid Shodiev also found the target as the Uzbeks overcame a poor refereeing decision, which enabled Mohammed Al Sahlawi to score from the penalty spot.

It was a frantic evening of action in the Asian Cup, with early goals in both games.

China, in the midst of a purple patch and with top spot in Group B already secured, took the lead against DPR Korea within a minute.

Sun was the beneficiary of some sloppy defending from Jang Song-Hyok, prodding home from close range to open the scoring.

There was a similar story unfolding in Melbourne.

Uzbekistan, needing a victory to progress to the next round, also got off to the perfect start after just 90 seconds. Rashidov capitalized on a fortuitous break and calmly slid the ball beyond Waleed Abdullah to make it 1-0.

That lead should have been extended just moments later when Uzbekistan's Shukhrat Mukhammadiev took a clever touch past his marker before lashing a volley narrowly wide from a promising position.

In the nation's capital, despite China dominating possession, DPR Korea was slowly starting to work their way back into the contest. Pak Kwang-Ryong shot wide, before Jong Il-Gwan blazed well over the bar when through on goal.

It would prove a costly miss for DPR Korea, with China immediately going up the other end and doubling their advantage. Sun was again the scorer, this time nodding home following Jiang Zhipeng's cross.

It delighted the sell-out crowd in Canberra, packed full of joyful Chinese supporters.

It could, and perhaps should have been 3-0 prior to half time for China. However, Jon Kwang-Ik came to DPR Korea's rescue, clearing Yu Hai's shot off the line.

As it stood at the break, Uzbekistan would join China in progressing through to the quarterfinals in Group B. But Saudi Arabia was desperate to avoid being sent home early.